Public-Private Partnerships in Early Childhood Education and Preschool Preparedness Programs
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to gauge the United Way Capital Area's Success-By-Six early childhood education program's partnerships with private and public collaborators (partners) against the practical ideal type partnership design. A practical ideal type partnership has three main categories: 1) partnership purpose, 2) partnership accountability, and 3) partnership communication.
Methodology: A case study of the Capital Area's Success-By-Six partnership was conducted. Information is collected using face-to-face structured interviews and document analysis. Information was evaluated according to a scoring system. Relevant documents were also analyzed to supplement the interview notes.
Findings: The study finds that the Capital Area's Success-By-Six partnership generally met or exceeded standards in all three key areas, but should work toward improving a few key partnership elements. Based on these findings, the following recommendations are made. Partners should: create a partnership contract or written document that states the mission statement and specific goals of the partnership; develop a comprehensive document outlining the partnership's desired outcomes, how the leadership came up with those goals, and how they plan to achieve them; develop a documented evaluation plan; enhance the measurable goals they currently have in place by determining specifically how they are going to evaluate programs and measure success; and finally, develop a joint partnership budget for early childhood needs in Austin.
